Mikel Arteta has said that only players who take the club to the next level are guaranteed a lot of minutes at Arsenal come next season.

The Spaniard said this while confirming that William Saliba is part of his plans next season.

Addressing the media before the Gunners 2-1 win over Everton in a friendly, the former Manchester City assistant coach said, “We cannot guarantee first-team football to anyone. But I guarantee players who take us to the next level are going to play a lot of minutes.”

Speaking on Saliba, Arteta said the French star is in his plans, adding that the club are excited to have him back.

He described the defender, who spent last season on loan at Marseille, “as a proper talent who showed what he can do” at the French club.

The former midfielder said the reason for sending Saliba out on loan was to prepare him in the best possible way for what he faces in the Premier League.

“He’s improved in so many areas. All the time he has been abroad has built confidence in him,” he added.